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LUTHER’S 


SMALLER CATECHISM 

TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL. 


PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL SYNOD OF THE 
LUTHERAN CHURCH. 


THIRD EDITION. 



PUBLISHED AT GETTYSBURG. 
FOR SALE BY LUCAS AI?D DEAVER 

BALTIMORE. 


1832. 


4--BX 

J+17 


Copt-Kight secured, according to the Act of Congre**, 


Sf. W«u%£ 

sr, '*<r <2 


1 ?yf 

stereotyped by L. Johns**, 
Philadelphia. 

» — — - 


CONTENTS. 


1. Introduction, 

2. The Ten Commandments, 

3. The Creed, 


PAGE 5 
5 

- 10 


4. The Lord’s Prayer, - - - - 12 

5. Sacrament of Baptism, - - - - 16 

6. Sacrament of the Lord’s Supp 0 **, - 20 

Order of Salvation, in Short Quv gions and 

Answers, ----- 22 

8. Order of Salvation, in Systematic Con- 

nexion, ----- 41 

9. Questions and Answers for those who 

would prepare themselves to receive 
the Lord’s Supper, - - - 45 


10. Historical Catechism, - - - - 47 

H. Table of Duties, - - - - 58 

12. Prayers, ------ 60 


13. Hymns. 



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LUTHER’S 


SMALLER CATECHISM. 


INTRODUCTION. 

Q. 1. What is meant by a religion, in the general sense 
of the term ? 

A. A knowledge of God and particular manner of wor- 
shipping him. 

2. How many principal religions are supposed to exist in 
the world ? 

Four ; the Heathen, the Mohammedan, the Jewish, and 
the Christian, which is the true religion. 

3. Whence do Christians derive their knowledge of reli- 
gion ?■ 

From the whole word of God, but chiefly from the New 
Testament. 

4. What does the word of God teach us ? 

What we are to believe, to experience, and to do, in order 
to live properly, and to die happy. 

5. What is the Catechism ? 

It is a short summary of these Christian doctrines, as 
taught in the word of God. 

PART I.— OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 

Exodus xx. Deut. vi. 9. 20. 25. 

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT. 

“ I AM the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have 
no other Gods before me. Thou shalt not make 
unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of 
any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in 
the earth beneath, or that is in the water under 
a 2 5 


6 


luther’s smaller catechism. 


the earth : thou shalt not bow down thyself to 
them, nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God 
am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the 
fathers upon the children unto the third and 
fourth generation of them that hate me ; and 
showing mercy unto thousands of them that 
love me, and keep my commandments.* 2Cor.vi. 
16. 1 Cor. viii. 4 — 6. Matt iv. 10. Rom. ii. 22,23. Ps. cxv. 
3—8. 

What is intended by this Commandment ? 

That we should fear, love, and trust in God 
above all things. 

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT. 

“ Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord 
thy God in vain ; for the Lord will not hold him 
guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” p s . lix , 
12. Matt. vii. 21. Lev. xxiv. 15, 16. 

What is required of us in this Commandment ? 

That we should so fear and love God, as not 
to curse, swear, conjure, lie, or deceive in his 
name ; but call upon him in every time of need, 
and worship him with prayer, praise, and 
thanksgiving. 

* The scriptures narrate the decalogue without divisions, 
and there existed a difference of opinion, even before the time 
of Christ, as to the manner in which these precepts ought to 
be divided. The division above given, is that which has 
been received by the greater part of the Christian church 
since the apostolic age. Another division has been adopted 
by some churches, according to which the above first com- 
mandment is divided into two, and the ninth and tenth are 
united into one. It is a matter of trifling importance which 
iu adopted, provided the whole decalogue be retained. 


THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 


7 


THE THIRD COMMANDMENT. 

“ Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy 
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work : 
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord 
thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, 
nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, 
nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy 
stranger that is within thy gates. For in six 
days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, 
and ail that in them is, and rested the seventh 
day : wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath- 
day, and hallowed it. Ex. xxxi. 14. 17. Isa. lviii. 13. 
Ps. xxvi. 6. Luke vi. 9. Col. iii. 16. 

What is enjoined in this Commandment ? 

That we should so fear and love God, as not to 
despise his word and day, and the preaching of 
his gospel; but deem it holy, and willingly hear, 
' earn, and obey it. 

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT. 

“Honour thy Father and thy Mother, that 
thy days may be long upon the land which the 
Lord thy God giveth thee.” Eph. iv. 3. 

What is the signification of this Commandment ? 

That we should so fear and love God, as not to 
despise or displease our parents or superiors; 
but honour, serve, obey, love, and esteem them. 

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT. 

“ Thou shalt not kill.” Gen. ix. 6. Matt. v. 21. 
Num. xxxv. 16. 

What is the purport of this Commandment ? 

That we should so fear and love God, as not to 


8 


LUTHER’S SMALLER CATECHISM. 


do our neighbour any bodily injury ; but rathei 
assist and comfort him in danger or want. 

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT. 

“ Tbou shalt not commit adultery.” Heb. xiii. 
4-. Matt. v. 27. 32. 1 Cor. vi. 18, 19. 

What do you understand by this Commandment ? 

That we should so fear and love God, as to live 
chaste, and undefiled in words and deeds, and 
each to love and honour his wife or her hus 
band. 

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT. 

“Thou shalt not steal.” Lev. xix. n. 1 Thess. 
iv. 3. 6. Ephes. iv. 28. 1 Tim. vi. 6. 10. 

What is meant by this Commandment ? 

That we should so fear and love God, as not to* 
rob our neighbour of his property, or bring it 
^into our possession by unfair dealing or fraudu 
lent means ; but help him to augment and pro- 
tect it. 

• THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT. 

“ Thou shalt not hear false witness against 
tliy neighbour.” Matt. XV. 19. John viii. 44. Prov. xix. 
5. John i. 19, 20. Zech. viii. 16, 17. 

What is inculcated in this Commandment ? 

That we should so fear and love God, as not to 
belie, betray, slander, or raise injurious reports 
against our neighbour ; but apologize for him, 
speak well of him, and put the most charitable 
construction on all his actions. 


THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 


9 


THE NINTH COMMANDMENT. 

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house.” 

Dcut. v. 21. Mic. ii. 1, 2. Gal. v. 16. Rom. vii. 7, 8. 

What is enjoined in this Commandment ? 

That we should so fear and love God, as not to 
cherish improper desires for the inheritance or 
estate of our neighbour, or aim at obtaining it 
by deceit or the false appearance of a legal 
right ; but be ready to assist and serve him in 
the preservation of his own. 

THE TENTH COMMANDMENT. 

“ Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, 
nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor 
his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy 
neighbour’s.” James i. 14, 15. Matt. v. 28. 2 Pet. i s 4 
John ii. 15. Matt. xv. 19. 

What is required in this Commandment ? 

That we should so fear and love God, as not 
even to wish to seduce our neighbour’s spouse, 
to corrupt or alienate from him his servants, or 
to force away from him or let loose his cattle; 
but rather to use our endeavours, that they 
may continue with, and discharge their duty to 
him. 

What saith the Lord God concerning these Com- 
mandments ? 

He saith : “I the Lord thy God, am a jealous 
God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon 
the children to the third and fourth generation 
of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto 


10 luther’s smaller catechism. 

thousands of them that love me and keep my 
commandments.” Nahum i. 2. 2 Pet. ii. 4. 6. fios. 
vi. 4. Ps. ciii. 17, 18. Exod. xx. 5, 6. 

What do we learn from this declaration ? 

God threatens to punish all who transgress 
these commandments; we should, therefore, 
dread his displeasure, and not act contrary to 
his laws. But he also promises grace and every 
blessing to all such as obey these laws; we 
should, therefore, love and confide in him, and 
cheerfully do what he commanded us. 


PART II.— OF THE CREED. 

OR, THE ARTICLES OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. 

Of what does the first article consist ? 

Of the Creation. 

Rehearse it. 

I believe in God the Father, Almighty Maker 
of heaven and earth. 

What do you profess to believe in this article 1 

I believe that God hath created me and all 
that exists; that he hath given and still pre- 
serves to me my body and soul, with all their 
members and faculties, and all that I possess : 
that he richly and daily provides me with all 
the necessaries and enjoyments of life ; that he 
guards me from danger and preserves me from 
evil; wholly induced by divine, paternallove 
and mercy, without any claim of merit or wor- 
thiness in me, for all which I am in duty bound 


THE CREED. 11 

to thank, praise, serve, and obey him. — This is 
most certainly true. 

Of what does the second article treat ? 

Of our Redemption. 

Rehearse it. 

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our 
Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He 
descended into hell ;* the third day he rose again 
from the dead ; he ascended into Heaven, and 
sitteth at the right hand of God the Father' Al- 
mighty, from thence he shall come to judge the 
quick and the dead. 

What do you profess to believe in this article l 

I believe, that Jesus Christ, true God begot- 
ten of the Father from eternity, and also true 
man born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord; who 
hath redeemed, purchased, and delivered me, a 
poor, forlorn, condemned person, from sin, from 
death, and from the power of the devil ; not 
with gold or silver, but with his holy, precious 
blood, and with his innocent sufferings and 
death ; in order that I might be his, live under 
him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlast- 
ing righteousness, innocence, and happiness ; 
even as he is risen from the dead, and now lives 
and reigns to all eternity. — This is most cer- 
tainly true. 


i. e Place of departed spirit*. 


12 luther’s smaller catechism. 

Of what does the third article treat 1 

Of our Sanctification. 

Rehearse it. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic 
(universal) Church; the communion of saints, 
the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrection of the 
body ; and the life everlasting. 

What do you profess to believe in this article ? 

I believe, that I cannot merely by my ewiv 
reason or other natural powers, believe in or 
come to Jesus Christ, my Lord; but that the^ 
Holy Spirit hath called me by the Gospel, en- 
lightened me by his gifts, and sanctified and 
preserved me in the true faith, in like manner 
as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies* 
the whole Christian church on earth, and pre- 
serves it in union with Jesus Christ, by the true 
faith ; in which Christian church he daily and 
richly forgives me, and all other believers, all 
our sins : and will, at the last day, raise up me 
and all the dead, arid will grant unto me and 
all that believe in Jesus Christ, everlasting life. 
— This is most certainly true. 


PART III.— OF THE LORD’S PRAYER. 

THE INTRODUCTION. 

“Our Father who art, in Heaven.’\S 
What does our Saviour teach us in this preface ? 
That God would affectionately invite us to 
believe, and to be assured, that he is truly our. 


THE LORD’S PRAYER. 


13 


Father, and that we are his children indeed ; 
and to call upon him with all cheerfulness and 
confidence, even as beloved children entreat a 
kind and affectionate parent. 

THE FIRST PETITION. 

“ Hallowed be thy name.” 

How is this to be understood ? 

God’s name is indeed holy in itself; but we 
pray in this petition, that it may also be sanc- 
tified by us. 

When is this effected ? 

When the word of God is taught pure and 
unadulterated, and we, as the children of God, 
live holy lives, conformably to its precepts. To 
this, may the Lord our Father in Heaven, in- 
cline us i But he, whose doctrine and life are 
contrary to the word of God, dishonours the 
name of God among us. From this preserve us, 
O Lord, our heavenly Father! 

THE SECOND PETITION. 

“ Thy kingdom come.” 

How is this to be understood ? 

The kingdom of God will come, indeed, with- 
out our prayers ; but, we pray, in this petition, 
that it may also come unto us. 

When is this effected ? 

When our heavenly Father gives us his holy 
Spirit, so that, by his grace, we believe in his 
holy word, and live a godly life, here, in time, 
and in heaven for ever. 

B 


14 luther’s smaller catechism. 

-THE THIRD PETITION. 

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” 

How is this to be understood ? 

God’s good and gracious will is done, indeed, 
without our prayers; but, in this petition, we 
pray, that it may also be done by us. 

When is this done ? 

When God prevents and destroys all evil 
counsels and intentions, the will of the devil, of 
the world, and of our own flesh, which tend to 
dishonour the name of God among us, and hin- 
der the coming of his kingdom to us ; and when 
he strengthens and preserves us steadfast in his 
word and faith, unto our end. This is his good 
and gracious will. 

THE FOURTH PETITION. 

“ Give us this day our daily bread.” 

How is this to be understood ? 

God bestows, indeed, unasked, the necessaries 
and conveniences of life, even upon the wickeu 
but in this petition we pray, that he wou’d 
make us sensible of his mercies, and enable us 
to receive them with thanksgiving. 

Wliat is comprehended in the term , “ our daily 
bread V 9 

Every thing necessary to the support and 
comfort of existence ; as food and raiment, house 
and land, money and goods ; a kind spouse, good 
children, faithful servants, righteous magistrates, 
good weather, peace, health, instruction, honour, 
true friends, good neighbours, and the like. 


THE LORD’S PRAYER. 


15 


THE FIFTH PETITION". 

“ And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive 
those who trespass against us.” 

How is this to be understood ? 

We pray in this petition that our heavenly 
Father would not regard our sins, nor deny us 
our requests on account of them ; for we merit 
not one single good thing at his hands ; but that, 
though we very often and greatly offend and 
deserve severe chastisement, he would of his 
free grace pardon us and bestow on us what we 
desire. — We promise also, on our part, heartily 
to forgive, and willingly to do good to those by 
whom we have been offended. 

THE SIXTH PETITION. 

w And lead us not into temptation.” 

How is this to be understood ? 

Properly speaking, God tempts no man to 
evil ; but we pray in this petition, that God 
would protect and preserve us from the devil, 
the world, and our own deceitful hearts ; and not 
suffer us to be seduced by them into unbelief, 
despair, or any other great and shameful sins ; 
and that, though we may he tempted and as- 
saulted by them, we may nevertheless conquer, 
and finally obtain the victory over them. 

THE SEVENTH PETITION. 

“ But deliver us from evil.” 

How is this to be understood ? 

We pray in this petition, as in a summary, 
that our heavenly Father would vouchsafe to 


16 


luther’s smaller cateohlsm; 


deliver us from evil and suffering, whether it 
affect the soul or the body, property, or charac- 
ter ; and at last, when the hour of death shall 
arrive, grant us a happy end, and graciously 
take us from this world of imperfection and sor- 
row to himself in heaven. 

THE CONCLUSION. 

“ For thine is the kingdom, and the power 
and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.” 

What signifies the word , “ Amen ?” 

The assurance, that such petitions are accept- 
able to my Father in heaven, and heard of him ; 
for he himself has commanded us thus to pray, 
and has promised to hear our supplications 
Amen, amen, signifies yea, yea, it shall be so. 


PART IV.— OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM 

Matt xrviii. 18. 20. Mark rvi. 15, 16. Luke iii. 3. CoL 
iL 11, 12, 13. Gen. xvii. 9. 14. Rom. iv. 11. 

What is Baptism h 

iBaptism is not mere water ; but it is that 
water which the ordinance of God enjoins, and 
which is connected with God’s word. Ephes. v. 

25, 26. John iii. 5. Luke iii. 2. 
What is that commandment of God ? 

That, which our Lord Jesus Christ gave his 
disciples, Matt, xxviii. 19 : “ Go ye, and make 
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost” 


BAPTISM. 


17 


PFhal are the benefits of Baptism P 

It causes* the forgiveness of sin, delivers from 
death and the devil, and gives everlasting salva- 
tion to those that believe, as the word and 
promise of God declare. Mark i. 4. Gal. iii. 26, 27 
Tim. iii. 5. Rom. vi. 3, 4. Ephes. v. 26, 27. Col. ii 
12. 1 John iii. 1, 2. 

TJliich are these words and promises of God ? 

Those, in which our Lord declares, Mark xvi. 
16 : He, that believeth and is baptized, shall 
be saved; but he, that believeth not, shall be 
damned.-’ Mark xvi. 15, 16. 1 Peter iii. 21. Rev.vui. 37. 

HciC can icaier produce such great effects % 

It is not the water that produces them, but 
the word of God, which is connected with the 
water, and our faith confiding in this word of 
God, in the use of baptismal water. For, with- 
out the word of God, the water is mere water, 
and no baptism ; but with the word of God it is 
a baptism, that is, a merciful water of life, and 
and a laver of regeneration in the Holy Ghost: 
as St. Paul says to Titus, iii. 5, 6. “ According 
to his mercy hath he saved us by the washing 
of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy 
Ghost : which he hath shed on us abundantly 
through Jesus Christ our Saviour,” that thereby 
we might be made righteous, and be heirs ao 
cording to the hope of everlasting life. Tim. ik 
5, 6, 7. Gal. iii. 26, 27. Ephes. v. 26, 27. 

That is, it is one of the appointments for obtaining those 
oiessings. 


18 luther’s smaller catechism. 

What does such water-baptism signify P 
It signifies, that the old Adam, with all sinful 
lusts and affections, should be drowned and de- 
stroyed by daily sorrow and repentance ; and 
that a new man should daily arise, that shall 
dwell in the presence of God in righteousness 
and purity for ever. 1 p e t. iii. 20. 1 Cor. x. 2. Gal. 

v. 24. Col. iii. 5. 10. Rom. vi. 12. 

Where is this said in the scriptures P 
St. Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, vi. 4. 
says : “ We are buried with Christ by baptism 
into his death ; that, like as he was raised up 
from the dead, by the glory of the F ather, even 
so we also should walk in newness of life.” 

Do the scriptures prescribe any particular quantity of 
•water, or mode of applying it in baptism ? 

They do not. 

Does the meaning of the -word baptism itself, in the scrip- 
tures, throw any light on this subject ? 

The apostle Paul, in Heb. ix. 10, calls the ritual purifica 
tions of the Jews “ divers baptisms,” (see the Greek) and, by 
referring to Numbers xix. 13. 18, 19, 20, 21, where these 
baptisms are described, we find, that some of them were cer 
tainly performed by sprinkling and pouring the water, anu 
others, perhaps, by immersion. 

What appears to have been the practice of the apostles ? 

Sometimes they baptised either in or at running water, 
and, at other times, in houses, Acts xvi. 33 ; but in no case is 
it mentioned, how they applied the water. 

What do you infer from all these facts ? 

That any quantity of water, in any way applied by an au 
thorized person, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy 
Spirit, constitutes Christian baptism. 

Who are the proper subjects of baptism ? 

Adult believers, and also infanta. 


BAPTISM. 


1U 


Have we a right to exclude infants from baptism ? 

We certainly have not; because, 

1. God expressly established infant-membership in his 
church, at its first visible organization, and never since with- 
drew this privilege. Gen. xvii. 12. He that is eight days old 
shall be circumcised among you, &c. 

Hence, as the covenant, (and church,) then established by 
God, was “everlasting,” v. 7, it must, as the apostle teaches, 
Rom. xi. 20. 24, extend to the end of the world substantially 
the same church. And, as God established infant-member- 
ship in it, no one can revoke it, but God himself, which he 
has not done. 

2. Our Saviour expressly commands his followers, to 
make disciples of all nations, by baptising them, Matt, xxviii. 
18. 20; and says nothing about excepting children. Hence, 
as children had been admitted to the church for 1900 years, 
aud as the Jews had never heard of a church of God from 
which children were excluded, it would have been necessary 
for the Saviour expressly to except children, if he had wished 
them excluded. But this he has not done, therefore he did 
not intend that we should. 

3. We are expressly told that the apostles baptised -whale 
families, which, it is reasonable to suppose, contained chik 
dren. Acts xvi. 33; 16. 15. 

4. Origen, who was born only 85 years after St. John 
died, and other Christian fathers, assert that infant baptism 
was handed down to their age from the days of the apos- 
tles. 

Has infant baptism been the almost universal practice of 
the church ? 

It undoubtedly has been. During the first four hundred 
years from the formation of the Christian church, neither any 
society of men, nor any individual, denied the lawfulness of 
baptising infants. Tertullian only urged the delay of bap- 
tism to infants, and that not in all cases. And Gregory only 
delayed it, perhaps, to his own children. 

In the next seven hundred years, there was not a society, 
nor an individual, who even pleaded its delay, much less any 
who denied the right or duty of infant-baptism. 

In the year 1120, one sect rejected infant-baptism, but it 


20 luther’s smaller catechism 


was opposed by the other churches as heretical, and soon 
came to nothing. 

From that time, no one opposed the ^baptism of infants 
until the year 1522; since which time, also, the great body 
of the Christian church has continued to practise' infant-bap- 
tism. 

What is required of those, who were baptised in their in- 
fancy ? 

That they should make a personal profession of religion, 
that is, should ‘^cpnfrm” the vows made for them at their 
baptism, so soon as they attain the years of discretion. 


PART V. — OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE 
ALTAR, or, LORD’S SUPPER. 

1 Cor. xi. 20. 23. Exod. xii. 3. 5. 7. 9, 10. 26, 27. 

What is the Sacrament of the Altar P 

It is the body and blood of our Lord Jesus 
Christ,* under the external signs of bread ana 
wine, given unto Christians to eat and drink, as 
it was instituted by Christ himself, l Cor. x. 16, 

17. xi. 29. 23 

Which are the words of the institution of the 
Sacrament P 

* “ The Lutheran church,” says the celebrated Dr. Mos- 
heirn, “ does not believe in impanation, nor in subpanation, 
nor in consubstantiation; nor in a physical or material pre- 
sence of the body and blood of the baviour.” Elementa 
Theol. Dog. in loc. 

But she maintains that the Saviour fulfils his promise, and 
is actually present, especially present, at the holy supper, in 
a manner incomprehensible to us, and not defined in scrip- 
ture. And why should it be thought a thing impossible, that 
he, who fills immensity with his presence, should be there, 
where his disciples meet to celebrate his dying love 1 


THE LORD’S SUPPER. 


21 


The holy evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and 
Luke, together with the holy apostle, St. Paul, 
write thus : “ Our Lord Jesus Christ, m the 
night in which he was betrayed, took bread ; 
and when he had given thanks, he brake it and 
gave it unto his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this 
is my body which is given for you. Do this in 
remembrance of me. Likewise, after the sup- 
per, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it 
to them, saying, Drink ye all of this ; this cup is 
the New Testament in my blood, which is shed 
for you and for many, for the remission of sins. 
Do this, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance 
of me.” Matt. xxvi. 26. 28. Mark xiv. 22, 23, 24. Luke 
xxii. 14. 20. 1 Cor. xi. 23. 26. Gal. iii. 15. 

TVhat are the benefits derived from thus eating 
and drinking in the Lord's Supper P 

They are pointed out in those words of the 
institution, “ Given and shed for you for the 
remission of sins which words show us, that 
forgiveness of sin, life and salvation, are im- 
parted to us in the sacrament ; for where there 
is remission of sins, there of course is also life 
and salvation. 

How can corporeal eating and drinking produce 
such great effects P 

It is not the eating and drinking that produces 
them, but that solemn declaration, “ which is 
given and shed for you, for the remission of 
sins;” which words, besides the literal eating 
and drinking, are considered as the chief thing 


22 luther’s smaller catechism. 

in the sacrament. Wherefore, whoever truly 
believes these words, has what they promise, 
even the forgiveness of sin. 

Who is it that receives the Sacrament worthily P 
Fasting and bodily preparation, are indeed a 
good external discipline ; but he alone is truly 
worthy and w r ell prepared, that believes in 
these words, “ Given and shed for you for the 
remission of sins.” But whoever is void of this 
faith, or doubts in his mind, is unworthy and 
unfit ; for the words, “ for you,” require truly 
believing hearts. 

t 

PART VI.— THE ORDER OF SALVATION. 

In short and simple Questions and Answers. 

1. Question. 1 What is your state by nature ? 

Ans7ver . I am a sinful being. Psal. li. 4 

2. Who created you? 

God created me. Gen. i. 27 

3. Do you believe that there is a God ? 

Yes, I believe that there is a God. Heb. xi. 6. 

4. Can we see God? 

No, here we cannot see God. 

John i. 18. 1 Tim. vi. 16. 

5. What is God, that we cannot see him ? 

God is a spirit, John iv. 24. or an uncreated, 
spiritual, most perfect being. 

6. Are there more Gods than one ? 

No, there is but one God. 

7. How is this one God railed ? 


Mark xii. 29. 


THE ORDER OF SALVATION - . 


23 

The one God is called Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost. Matt, xxviii. 19. 

8. Are not Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three Gods'? 

No, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, are three 
persons, and these three persons are one God. 

1 John v. 7. 

9. Has God no beginning? 

No, God is eternal, and has neither beginning 
nor end. _ Psal. xc. l. 

10. Where is God ? 

God is every where present. p S al. cxxxix. 7. 10. 

Does God see and hear all things ? 

Yes. God knows every thing that takes place 
ill the whole world. Jeremiah xxiii. 24. 

12. Is God omnipotent? 

Yes, God is almighty, and can do whatsoever 
he pleases. p B . cxv. 3. 

13. Did God ci'eate the whole world? 

Yes, God is the almighty maker of heaven 
and earth. Psal. xxxiii. 6. 

14. Can the universe which G ted uphold itself. 

No, as God created all t so he preserves 

and governs them. John V. ’ Deo. i. 3. Psal. cxlvii. 5 

15. But does sin also procee u^.God 1 

No, from God no evil roceed. p sa l. v. 5. 
/ ^ 

16. Is God free from sin, and altogether holy and good? 

Yes, God is the chief good, and there is no evil 
in him. Luke xviii. 19. Deut. xxxii. 4. He is 
true, Ps. xxxiii. 4. holy, Isa. vi. 3. just, Ps. 
cxlv. 17, and gracious. Psal. ciii. 8. 13. 

17. But how did you become a sinner? 


24 


LUTHER S SMALLER' CATECHISM. 


I inherited my depraved nature from Adam, 
the first man. Romans v. 12. 

18. How many persons did God at first create? 

God at first created two human beings, name- 
ly, Adam and Eve. Gen. i. 27 

1 9. What are the constituent parts of man ? 

Every man consists of a soul and body. 

1 Cor. vi. 13. Eccl. xii. 7. 

20. Out of what did God create the first man? 

God made the first man out of the dust of the 
earth. Gen. ii. 7 

21. But how did God give unto him a soul? 

God breathed into his nostrils the breath of 
life, and thus man became a living soul. 

Gen. ii. 7 

22. In whose likeness was man originally created? 

Man was a beautiful image of God, particu- 
larly with respect to his soul, and also with re- 
spect to his body. Gen. i. 27. 

23. What is the soul of man ? 

The soul is a created spirit, possessed of un- 
derstanding and will. Luke xxiv. 39. Sir. xvii. 6. 

24. In what state was the understanding of man originally 
formed ? 

His understanding had a heavenly knowledge 
of God and his will. Col. iii. 10. 

25. What was the original state of his will ? 

The will had a divine power to love and do 
that which is good, and to hate and avoid evil. 

Ephes. iv. 24. 

26. What is the body of man? 

The body is the visible part of man, with 
which the soul is united. Matt. x. 28. 


THE ORDER OF SALVATION. 


25 


27. How v\ as the body of man constructed ? 

The body of man, before the fall, was holy, 
beautiful, and immortal. Wisd. ii. 2 a 

28. Was man entirely free from sin and misery, whe® 
God created him 1 ? 

Yes, man bad at first no sin, nor any misery 
either in body or soul. Gen. i. 31 

29. But how did Adam and Eve become sinners'? 

Adam and Eve fell from God. Gen. iii 

30. Who seduced our first parents 1 

The devil seduced them. Wisd. ii. 23. 25, 

31. What were the devils at first? 

The devils were at first good angels. 

John viii. 44> 

32. Who created the angels? 

God created many good angels. Col. i. 16 

33. What are the good angels ? 

They are holy and happy spirits. Heb. i. 14. 

34. What is the employment of the good angels ? 

They praise God, serve him, and protect the 
righteous. Psal. ciii. 20. Psal. xxxiv. 8. 

35. How did some good angels become devils ? 

Many good angels fell from God, and lost 
their original holiness. John viii. 44 

36. What arc the bad angels? 

They are unholy and unhappy spirits. 

Ephes. vi. 12. 

37. What is the employment of the bad angels ? 

They endeavour to oppose the glory and will 

of God, and to seduce men to sin. 

2 Cor. iv. 4. 1 Peter v. 8. 

38. To what does the devil seduce men ? 

c 


26 


luther’s smaller catechism. 


The devil seduces men to disobedience to- 
ward God. 2 Cor. xi. 3. 

39. What was the nature of Adam’s fall ] 

The fall of Adam consisted in this, that man 
alienated his heart from God to the devil. 

Acts xxvi. 18. 

40. Wherein did Adam and Eve externally manifest their 
disobedience toward God, and their obedience to the devil 1 

Adam and Eve ate of the fruit, which God 
had commanded them not to eat. 

Gen. iii. 6. Gen. ii^l 6, 17. 

41. What did man lose, when he became obedient to the 
devil and fell from God] 

Man lost the beautiful image of God, and be- 
came an image of the devil. Ephes. ii. i. 3. 

42. What was the state of the soul and body of man afte r 
the fall] 

Soul and body became unfit for any thing 
good, and prepared for, and inclined to, evil. 

Gen. vi. 5. 

43. How did sin come upon all men 1 

By the fall of Adam, sin and death came 
upon all men. Romans v. 12. 

44. What is sin ] 

Sin is every thing that is evil and unrighteous, 
or every thing that is contrary to the law of 
God. 1 John iii. 4 

45. How is that sin called which we inherited from Adam 1 

The sin which we inherited from Adam is 

called original sin, Psal. li. 7. (or natural de- 
pravity). 

<*6. Whence, therefore, does sin proceed] 

Sin proceeds from the devil and from man. 

1 John iii. 8. Romans v. 12 


THE ORDER OF SALVATION - . 


27 


47. Do we not ourselves also commit sin 1 

Yes, we daily commit very many sins. 

Psal. xix. 1 3. 

48. How are those sins called which we commit 1 

The sins which we commit are called actual 

sins. Mark vii. 21, 22. 

49. How do we commit actual sin ? 

We sin daily in thoughts, in looks, in words, 
and in deeds. 

Matt. xv. 19. Gen. iv. 6,7. Matt. xii. 36. Gal. v. 19.21. 

50. How many kinds of sin are there ? 

Two — original and actual sin. 

51. What is original sin 1 

Original sin is the inbred depravity of our 
nature, which renders us incapable of doing 
good, and inclined to every species of evil. 

John iii. 6. Romans iii. 12. 

2. What is actual sin ? 

Actual sin is every omission to do good, and 
every commission of evil, whether performed 
'nternally by thoughts and desires, or externally 
by looks, words, and deeds. Matt. ix. 4. Psal. xxxix. 

2. Col. iii. 5. 9. Ephes. v. 3, 4. James iv. 17. 

53. How do we make ourselves partakers of other men’s 
sins? 

When we command, advise, or approve of 
evil, and do not prevent or reprove it, or make 
it manifest, that it may be punished, we make 
ourselves partakers of other men’s sins. 

1 Tiin. V. 22 

54. What' do we all deserve by our sins? 

We all deseyve the wrath and displeasure of 
God, temporal death, and eternal damnation. 

Homans i. 18.— iii. 8, 9.— v. 12.— vi. 23. Matt. vii. 19. 


28 


luther’s smaller catechism. 


55. Must all men now necessarily be lost for ever ? 

No, we can obtain the lost salvation again. 

Romans v. 18, 19. 

56. Who interfered in our behalf, that we should not be 
eternally lost? 

God graciously extended his mercy to us and 
to all men. Jer. xxxi. 3. 1 Tim. ii. 4. 

57. When did God determine to have fallen mankind re- 
deemed ? 

God determined in eternity to have all man- 
kind redeemed, and to bestow salvation on be- 
lievers. Ephes. i. 4. 6. John iii. 18. 36. 

58. When did God promise a Redeemer? 

Immediately after the fall, God promised to 
give us a Redeemer. Gen. iii. 15. John iii. 16. 

59. Who is this our Redeemer? 

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. Luke ii. 11 

60. What is meant by the name Jesus ? 

Jesus means Saviour. Matt. i. 21 

61. What does the name Christ mean? 

Christ means the anointed, and is equivalen. 
to Messiah. Acts x. 38 

62. Who is Christ ? 

Christ is the Son of God, true God and man. 

Matt. xvi. 16. 1 John v. 20. John i. 14. 

63. Did God give us his Son as a Redeemer? 

Yes, God gave us his Son, when the Son of God 
became man. Gal, iv. 4. 

64. Of whom was Christ born ? 

Christ was born of the Virgin Mary. 

Matt. i. 23. Isa. vii. 14. 

65. Why was it necessary that Christ should become 
rnan ? 

It was necessary that Christ should become 


THE ORDER OF SALVATION - . 


29 


man, in order that he, by submitting to suffer 
ings and death, could redeem us. Heb. ii. 14. 17 . 

66. Why was it requisite that Christ should also be true 
God ? 

Christ had to be true God, in order that his 
redemption might have the efficacy to produce 
reconciliation with God. Romans v. 10. 

67. By what did Christ redeem us, and produce reconci- 
liation with God? 

Christ effected reconciliation with God by his 
obedience unto death. Phil. ii. 8. 

68. What did Christ fulfil in our stead ? 

Christ in our stead yielded a perfect obedi- 
ence to the whole law. Matt. v. 17. 

69. What did Christ take upon himself? 

Christ took upon himself the guilt and punish- 
ment of our sins. Isa. liii. 5, 6. John i. 29. 

70. What did Christ suffer for us? 

Christ died for us, an4 shed his blood for us, 
on the cross. Romans v. 8. 1 Peter ii. 24. 

71. Did Christ remain dead in the grave? 

No, Christ arose again on the third day. 

Luke xxiv. 26. 2 Tim. ii. 8. 

72. Where did Christ remain after his resurrection ? 

Christ visibly ascended to heaven. Acts i. 9. 

73. Where did Christ seat himself? 

Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, to 
bestow on men the purchased salvation. 

Mark xvi. 19, 2d 

74. Whom did Christ redeem ? 

Christ redeemed all men. l Tim. ii. 6. l John ii. 2. 

75. From what did Christ redeem us ? 

c 2 


LUTHER S SMALLER CATECHISM. 


30 


Christ “ redeemed us from all iniquity,” frdm 
death, and from the power of the devil. 

1 John i. 7. Titus ii. 14. 2 Tim. i. 10. Heb. ii. 14. 

76. What did he purchase for us! 

Christ purchased for us the favour of God, 
the gracious influence of the Holy Ghost, and 
eternal salvation. 

John i. 16, 17. — xvi. 7. Heb. vii. 25. — ix. 15. 

77. Will all men therefore be saved ! 

No, comparatively few will be saved. 

Matt. vii. 14. Luke xiii. 24. 

78. Whose fault is it, that so many will still be eternally 
lost ! 

Men are themselves the cause of their dam- 
nation, if they determine to remain in their sins. 

Matt, xxiii. 37. 2 Peter iii. 9. 

79. What persons will be saved ! 

Those who receive Christ by faith will be 
saved. John iii. 16. 36 

80. Can you believe in Christ by your own strength! 

No, I cannot believe in Christ by my own 

reason or strength. l Cor. ii. 14. John vi. 29 

81. For what must you pray to God, in order that you 
may obtain strength to believe ! 

I must pray to God for the influence of the 
Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. xii. 3. Luke xi. IS. 

82. What does the Holy Ghost do for us! 

The Holy Ghost sanctifies us. R 0 m. xv. 16. 

83. Are you not holy by nature ! 

No, by nature I am unholy. Gen. vi. 5. Rom. iii. 10. 

84. What makes you unholy ! 

Sin makes me unholy. Psal. Ii. 4. 7 

85. How can you now become holy 1 


THE ORDER OF SALVATION". 


31 


When I am delivered from my sins, then 1 
si. til be holy. 1 Cor.'vi. ll. 1 John i. 7. 

86. What does the Holy Ghost do, when he delivers us 
from our sins and makes us holy ? 

The Holy Ghost calls, enlightens, sanctifies, 
and preserves us. 2 Thess. ii. 14. 2 Tim. i. 9. 2 Cor. 

iv. 6. 2 Peter i. 19. Titus iii. 5. 7. Phil. i. 6 

87. How does the Holy Ghost call us? 

When we hear the word of God, the Holy 
Ghost calls us from sin and from the power of 
the devil back to God. Acts xxvi. 18. 

88. How does the Holy Ghost enlighten and sanctify us ? 

The Holy Ghost works in us faith in Christ, 
and makes us entirely new creatures. 

John vi. 21. Eph. i. 16. Psal. li. 12. Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27. 

89. Has faith then, such great power as to deliver you 
from your sins and make you holy ? 

Faith has the power to make a sinner right- 
eous and holy. 

Rom. iv. 3. 5. Acts xv. 9. — xxvi. 18, John i. 12, 13. 

90. How does faith make you righteous before God 1 

When my faith embraces Christ, then have I 
the righteousness of Christ, and forgiveness of 
all my sins. Romans iii. 24, 25. 

91. How does faith make us holy? 

Faith restores the image of God in us, that 
we can rule over our sins and live holy. 

Gal. vi. 15. — v. 6. 2 Cor. iii. 18. Rom. vi. 12 1 Pet. iv. 6, 

92. Where did the Holy Ghost begin this sanctification in 
you? 

In the holy ordinance of Baptism, the Holy 
Ghost began this sanctification in me. 

Titus iii. 5. 7. 


32 


luther’s smaller catechism. 


93? What did God promise you in holy baptism ? 

God promised, and also bestowed upon me the 
forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. 

Acts ii. 38. 1 Peter iii. 21. 

94. But whot did you promise God ? 

I promised that I would renounce the devil 
and all his works, and all his ways, and believe 
in God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

Rom. vi. 2, 3. James iv. 7. Hosea ii. 19, 20. Rev. ii. 10. 

95. Through whom did you make this promise in holy 
baptism ? 

I made this promise in holy baptism through 
my sponsors. 

96. Whom should men choose as sponsors ? 

For sponsors, pious Christians, should be cho- 
sen, who themselves keep their baptismal vows. 

Psal. 1. 5. 16. 

97. What is the duty of sponsors ? 

The duty of sponsors is to be devout at the 
baptism, to excite their faith, to pray for the 
children, and to be diligent in reminding them 
of their baptismal vows. l Cor. xv. i. 

98. Are all baptised persons holy and pious? 

No, many fall from their baptismal covenant. 

2 Peter ii. 20. 22. 

99. Whereby does a person fall from his baptismal cove- 
nant? 

By wilful sin we fall from our baptismal co- 
venant. Isaiah lix. 2. 

100. What is wilful sin ? 

When a person sins voluntarily and inten- 
tionally, he commits a wilful sin. 

Romans vi. 16. — x. 26. Gal. v. 19. 21 


THE ORDER OP SALVATION 


33 


101. How can such a wilful sinner be sanctified again 1 

He can be sanctified again through the word 

of God. John xvii. 17. James i. 21. 

102. What is the word of God 1 

The whole Bible, or the Holy Scriptures, are 
the word of God. 2 Peter i. 21. 

103. What must he diligently hear and read, who wishes 
to become pious and holy 1 

He who wishes to become pious must diligently 
and devoutly hear and read the word of God. 

2 Peter i. 19. — xvi. 1*. 

104. How do we hear the word of God devoutly 1 

We hear the word of God devoutly, when,' 
whilst hearing it, we fervently pray for the illu- 
minatipn of the Holy Ghost. 

2 Cor. iv. 6. Ephes. i. 17, 18. Psal. cxix. 18. 33, 34. 

105. What can we learn out of the word of God? 

Out of the word of God we can learn every 
thing that is necessary for our salvation. 

Psal. xix. 8. 2 Tim. iii. 15. 

106. What does the word of God reprove in us? 

The word of God reproves all our sins. 

John xvi. 8. Rom. iii. 20. 

107. But to what does the word of God exhort us? 

The word of God exhorts us to repentance 

and conversion. Matt. iii. 2. Ants ii. 38. 

108. W'hich, therefore, is the way in which man can be 
saved ? 

The only order of salvation is repentance, and 
particularly faith in Christ. 2 Pet. iii. 9. 

109. What is repentance ? 

Repentance is a change of heart and mind. 

Acts xxvi. 18. Romans xii. 2. 


84 luther’s smaller catechism. 

110. How many parts has repentance ? 

Repentance has two parts: sorrow for sin, 

and faith in Christ. 2 Cor. vii. 10. John iii. 36. 

111. What must a person be sorry for, when he wishes to 
be converted 1 

He who wishes to be converted, must sin- 
cerely study to know his sins, be sorry for them, 
and hate them. Jer. iii. 13. Psal. vi. 7. Romans xii. 9. 

112. What does God do when a person is filled with sin- 
cere penitence for his sins, and a sense of his danger ? 

When a person has been brought to see the 
danger of his situation, on account of his sins, 
God works faith in him 

Psal. li. 19. Acts xvi. 29. 31 

113. In whom must we particularly believe? 

We must believe in Jesus Christ our only Re 
deemer. John iii. 16. Acts iv. 12. 

114. Is that a genuine faith when a person boldly, and 
without sincere repentance, says, “ I comfort myself in my 
dear Lord and Saviour 1” 

No, where there is no sincere repentance, 
there is also no true faith. Matt, xxvii. 3. 5. In 
stance the example of Judas. 

115. But when have we a genuine faith in Christ ? 

We have a genuine faith in Christ when we 
are alarmed on account of our sins, and sensible 
of their greatness, and find our only hope and 
comfort in Jesus Christ. 

Psal. vi. 3. 4. 1 Tim. i. 5. Phil iii. 8, 9. 

116. What is true faith? 

True faith is a confident reliance on the grace 
of God through Christ, wrought by the Holy 
Spirit. Hebrews xi. 1. 


THE ORDER OF SALVATION 


85 


117. What must follow, if our repentance is genuine 1 

Reformation of life must follow repentance. 

Matt. iii. 8. James ii. 17. 

118. In what does reformation of life consist? 

Reformation of life consists in following Christ. 

Matt. Xvi. 24. — x. 38. Phil. ii. 5. 

119. How do you follow Christ ? 

I follow Christ when I deny all ungodliness, 
and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, 
and godly in this world. Titus ii. 12. 

120. Do all wilful sinners become penitent? 

No, the majority of men remain impenitent 
m their sins. John i. 10 , n. 

121. Into how many classes, therefore, may men be di- 
vided ? 

Into two classes ; some repent and are pious ; 
the majority live without repentance, and are 
wicked. Matt. vii. 13, 14.— xii. 24. 38. 47. 

122. Can the wicked do no good works? 

No, without faith no man can do any thing 
good. Heb. xi. 6. Rom. xiv. 23. Matt. xii. 84, 35. 

123. But can the believers do good works? 

Yes, believers strive from day to day to be- 
come more pious. 2 Cor. vii. 1. John xv. 2. 

124. But can believers live entirely free from sin? 

No, true believers daily commit many sins 
through infirmity. 1 John i. 8. James iii. 2. 

125. What is a sin of infirmity? 

When a believer sins through ignorance or 
incautiousness, he commits a sin of infirmity. 

Galatians vi, 1. 

126. What does a beliover do when he has sinned through 
infirmity ? 


36 


luther’s smaller catechism. 


A believer sincerely repents of his past sins, 
and prays God for the forgiveness of them. 

1 John i. 9. 

127. Does God pardon the sins of believers? 

Yes, as long as a believer does not sin wil- 
fully, he has forgiveness with God. l John ii. l. 

128. What ought we daily to do, in order that we may * 
not relapse into wilful sin ? 

We must daily watch and pray. 

Matt, xxvi. 41, Ephes. vi, 18. 

129. How does a believer watch? 

A believer watches when he keeps a guard 
over all his thoughts, gestures, words, and works. 

1 Peter v. 8. Galatians vi. 1 . 

130. What is prayer ? 

Prayer is a conversation with God. p s . xix. 15 

131. How can we, therefore, converse with God in heaven ? 

By prayer we can converse with God. 

Psal. xviii. 7 

132. How does God converse with us? 

God converses with us through his word. 

Psal. cxix. 92 

133. What prayer did the Lord Jesus teach us? 

Jesus himself taught us the Lord’s prayer. 

Luke xi. 1. 4. 

134. Who can pray acceptably to God? 

Every inquiring or believing soul, and also a 
pious child, can pray acceptably to God. Matt. 

vii. 7. Amos v. 4. Ezra viii. 22. Deut. iv. 29. 
John ix. 31. Psal. viii. 3. 

135. For whom is it our duty to pray? 

We must pray for ourselves, for all believers, 
arid for all mankind. 

Ephes. vi. 18. Phil. iv. 6 1 Tim. ii. 1. Matt. v. 44. 

136. How must we pray 1 


THE ORDER OF SALVATION. 


37 


We must pray in the name of Jesus, with all 
confidence and hope, as dear children entreat 
their beloved fa fcher. 

Heb. iv. 16. John xvi. 23. Matt. vii. 9. 11. — vi. 5. 

137. For what things must we .pray? 

We ought to pray chiefly for spiritual, and 
also for temporal blessings. Matt. vi. 33.— xviii. 19 

138. Where must we pray ? 

We can and must pray in all places. 

1 Tim. ii. 

139. When must we pray ? 

We ought to pray at all times in spirit, and 
at particular times also with our lips. 

Luke xviii. 1. 1 Thess. v. 17. Psal. li. 17, 18. 

140. Does God hear our prayers ? 

Yes, when the righteous cry, the Lord hear- 
eth them, and delivereth them out of all their 
troubles. Psal. xxxiv. 6, 7. 18, 

141. How can a person pray to God at all times ? 

We can always pray by having God before 
our eyes in our daily business. Gen. xvii. l. 

142. What other means did Christ appoint for the pur- 
pose of strengthening the faith of believers ? 

Christ instituted the Holy Supper to strengthen 
our faith. Matt. xxvi. 26. 

143. What does the Lord Jesus give you in the Holy 
Supper ? 

The Lord Jesus gives me his body and blood. 

John vi, 54. 

144. How do you receive the body of Christ ? 

I receive the body of Christ with the bread. 

l Cor. x. 18 , 


D 


38 LUTHER’S aAiALLER CATECHISM. 

145. How do you receive the blood of Christ? 

I receive the blood of Christ with the wine. 

1 Cor. x. 16 

146. What persons ought to receive the Holy Supper ? 

None but believers should receive the Holy 
Supper. Matt, xxvi, 26 

147. What must a believer do when he approaches the 
table of the Lord? 

A believer must examine the various imper- 
fections of his life, beseech God’s forgiveness, 
and reform. 1 Cor. xi. 8. Psal. xix. 13. Luke iii. 8, 9. 

148. Shall a wicked man not receive the Holy Supper at all ? 

A wicked man cannot worthily go to the 

Lord’s table, until he has made a beginning to 
repent. * Matt. vii. 6. 

149. But is it necessary that a believer should often receive 
the Holy Supper ? 

Yes, a believer should often partake of the 
Holy Supper, that he may remain steadfast in 
religion. l Cor. xi. 25, 30. 

160. Does a believer always meet with prosperity in this 
world ? 

No, believers must enter into the kingdom of 
heaven through much affliction and sorrow. 

2 Tim. iii. 12. 1 Pet. iv. 1. 

151. How do the pious fare among the wicked ? 

The pious are derided and persecuted by the 
wicked. Matt. V. 10. John xv. 16. 

152. How should the pious conduct themselves amid all 
their sufferings ? 

The pious should patiently bear all their 
afflictions, and love their enemies. 

James i. 12. Hebrews xii. 1. 

153. Against whom must believers daily contend' 1 


THE ORDER OF SALVATION. 


39 


Believers must daily contend against the 
devil, the world, and their own flesh. 

Ephes. vi. 11. John v. 4. Gal. v. 24. 

154. When will believers be delivered from all suffering 1 

In death believers will be delivered from all 

mtfering. 2 Timothy iv. 18. 

155. Of what nature is a believer’s death ? 

The death of believers is a happy death. 

Phil. i. 23. 2 Cor. v. 4. 

156. Whither do the souls of believers go after death? 

The souls of believers after death go to God 
in heaven. Wisd. iii. 1 . Lukexvi. 22. 

157. But will the body remain dead in the grave? 

No, the bodies of believers will one day rise 
again in a glorified state. l Cor. xv. 42. 

158. Who will raise the dead? 

Christ will, at the last day, awaken all the 
dead. John v. 25, 28, 29. 

159. Is the death of the wicked also a happy death? 

No, the death of the wicked is an unhappy 

'"death. ' Luke xvi. 23.' 

160. But if the wicked before their death pray fervently, 
and receive the Holy Supper, do they not then certainly die 
happy ? 

No, if the wicked do not sincerely repent 
before their death, neither external prayer, nor 
the Holy Supper, will profit them. Matt. vii. 21. 

161. Will the wicked also rise at the last day? 

Yes, the wicked also shall be awakened. 

Daniel xii. 2. 

162. Will each soul be reunited to its body ? 

Yes, the souls, as well of the wicked as of 
the pious, will again be united with their 
bodies. Job xix. 25. 


10 luther’s smaller catechism. 

163. What will take place at the last day 1 

Christ will hold judgment over all men. 

John v. 22. 2 Cor. v. 10. Matt. xii. 36. 

164. How will he introduce the faithful into glory with 
their souls and bodies] 

Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the' 
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation 
of the world. Matt. xxv. 34. 

165. How will he sentence the ungodly into eternal dam 
nation ] 

Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting 
fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 

Matt. xxv. 41. 

166. What else will occur at the last day! 

At the last day heaven and earth shall pass 
away. Luke xxi. 33. 1 Peter iii. 10 

167. What will be the situation of men in eternity] 

The damned will suffer eternal pain in hell ; 

but the elect will see God and their Saviour, 
and enjoy eternal happiness. 

Matthew xxv. 46. 1 Peter i. 8, 9. 

168. What do you wish to learn from these Christian doc- 
trines ] 

I will heartily beseech God that he would 
daily enable me to see more of the greatness of 
my sins, and of the grace of Jesus Christ ; that 
he would guard me that I walk not with the 
wicked world, and be damned with it ; but that 
I may live in the daily exercise of repentance 
and faith. 1 Peter iv. 2, 4. 

69. What consolation will this afford you ] 

If I live in repentance and faith, I am a child 
of God, I have the forgiveness of my sins, I shall 
die happy and receive eternal life. Rom. viii. 1 6, 17 


THE ORDER OP SALVATION-. 


41 


PART VII.— THE ORDER OF SALVATION, 

IN SYSTEMATICAL CONNEXION. 

Or an Analysis of the Doctrines of Christianity, which may 
be divided into two parts, the first of which treats of God, 
and the second of Man. 

First. Of God. 

1. The knowledge of God we derive in some degree from 

a the contemplation of the works of nature. Ps. xix. 2 ; but 

b more particularly from the holy scriptures. John v. 39. 

II. The nature of God, concerning which the scriptures de- 
clare, 

a there is but one God. Mark xii. 29. 

b that there are three persons in the Deity. Matt, xxviii. 19. 

c that God is a spirit. John iv. 24; the highest good, Matt, 
xix. 17, and also eternal, almighty, omniscient, omnipre- 
sent, holy, righteous, true, and benevolent. 1 Tim. vi. 15, 1 6. 
Jer. xxxii. 17 — 19. 

III. The works of God. 

A. Creation. God made all things in six days. Ps. xxxiii. 6. 
Thesp works are divided into, 

i visible, the principal of which is man. The first of the 
human race were Adam and Eve. Gen. i. 27. 

2. invisible, the principal of which are angels ; 

a good angels, holy and perfect spirits. Heb. i. 14. govern- 
ing the world under God, and particularly protecting the 
virtuous. Ps. xxxiv. 8. xci. 11. ciii. 20. Matt, xviii. 10. 

b bad angels, devils fallen from God. John viii. 44. 1 Peter 
v. 8. Their chief is called Satan, Rev. xii. 9. 

B. Preservation. God supports and governs all things. Acts 
xvii. 28. The divine providence may be considered as 
universal, Ps, civ. 28 ; as particular, Isa. xii. 4 ; and as 
most particular, Matt. x. 30. 

Second. Of Man, who is to be considered in four 
states, viz. 

I, The state of Innocence. Man was created without sin 
after the pure image of God. Gen. i. 26, 27. The image 
D 2 


42 luther’s smaller catechism. 

of God consisted in the conformity of man to his Creator 
with respect to his soul, which is a spirit endowed with 
understanding, and free will. Eph. iv. 24. Col. iii 10. 

II. The state of Sin. Man, through the fall of Adam, is 
involved in sin and death. Rom. v. 12. 

The first sin of Adam, was a proof of his heart being 
alienated from God, and his affections being placed on objects 
which were displeasing to God. Rom. v. 19. 

Sin is unrighteousness, or whatever is contrary to the law 
of God, 1 John iii 4 ; and is twofold : 

a original , that with which we are born. Ps. li. 7. Rom. vii. 
7, 18, 23. John iii. 6. It consists in a propensity to things 
forbidden by the law of God, and an aversion to his will : 
b actual. Those sins are so called, which are committed by 
ourselves, in thoughts (cherished,) words or deeds. James 
i. 14, 15. They are either voluntary or involuntary. 1 John 
v. 16. 

The remaining strength of our free will, which we have 
by nature, is not adequate to salvation. 1 Cor. ii. 14. Such, 
however, as apply it well, will be led to the means of obtain 
ing salvation. Acts x. 6. Eph. v. 14. 

III. The state of Grace, in which man is redeemed from 
sin and renewed after the image of God. 

Here are to be noticed, 

A. The origin of grace, the author of which is God the 
Father, who from all eternity has designed the happiness 
of man. Eph. i. 3 — 6. 

B. The purchase of grace by God the Son, who is to be 
considered with respect to his person, his offices, and his 
states. 

1. The person or natures of Christ. 

His 

a divine nature. John i. 1. 
b human nature. John i. 14. Heb. ii. 14. 

2. The offices of Christ : 

k prophetic. Acts iii. 22, 23. Reformation. 
b priestly. Heb. vii. 24, 25, 26. Reconciliation. 
e kingly. Luke i. 32, 33. Salvation. 

The states of Christ ; 


THE ORDER OI 1 SALVATION* 43 

a humiliation. Phil. ii. 5 — 8, his conception, ^lrth, suffer- 
ings, death, and burial. 

b exaltation. Phil. ii. 9 — 11 ; his descent into hell, resurrec- 
tion, ascension, government of the world, and judgment at 
the last day. 

C. The application of grace to man is made by the Holy 
Ghost. Here are to be considered, 

1. The works of grace or of the Holy Spirit, which are, 

a Calling, by which God, through the medium of his word, 
invites us to be saved. 1 Peter ii. 9. Rev. iii. 20. 

b Illumination, by which God dispels the natural darkness 
of the understanding, restores the liberty of the will, and 
kindles faith in us. 2 Cor. iv. 6. 

c Regeneration, in which God changes our nature, and 
adopts us as his children by engrafting us into Christ, and 
making us partakers of his Spirit. 1 Pet. i. 3, 4. 1 John 
iv. 18. 

a Justification, by which God for Christ’s sake assures us of 
the pardon of all our past sins. Rom. iii. 24 — 26. viii. 1. 
Union with God, by which he forms such a spiritual con- 
nexion with believers, that they become established in faith, 
and grow in grace. John xv. 1 — 5. 

Sanctification, by which God strengthens our faith, so that 
we may in a more perfect manner forsake’ ail evil and do 
all that which is good. Eph. iv. 22 — 24. 1 Thess. v. 23, 24. 

2. The means of grace. These are, 

a The word of God, contained in the holy scriptures. 2 Pet. 
i. 19 — 21. 2 Tim. iii. 15. This consists of the law. Gal. 
iii. 19 — 21, and the gospel. Rom. i. 16, 17. 

b The sacraments of the New Testament, viz. 

1 Baptism. Matt, xxviii. 13. Mark xvi. 16. by which such 
as do not maliciously resist, receive the Holy Ghost. Tit. 
iii. 5. and are born again. John iii. 5. 

2 The Lord’s Supper. 1 Cor. xi. 23 — 29. where the body 
and blood of Christ are in communion with bread and 
wine. 1 Cor. x. 16. 

D. The reception of grace by man : 

l. The method of receiving grace is by repentance or turning 
to God by a change of the mind. Acts xxvi. 18. 

a Definition of repentance : It is a change of the will and of 
the heart. 


44 


LUTHER S SMALLER CATECHISM. 


b The parts of repentance are, 

' Sorrow for sin. 2 Cor. vii. 10, 11. 

2 Faith in Christ. John v. 24. Heb. xi. 1. 
c The fruits of repentance. — These are discovered in a series 
of good works and upright conduct. Eph. ii. 10. 

The auxiliary means of grace besides many others, are 
“ taking up the cross,” and prayer. 

1 The cross is every kind of affliction which God suffers to 
come upon his* children for their good. 1 Pet. iv. 12. 

2 Prayer is the conversation of the heart with God, by which 
we ask for and receive gsace, strength, and every thing 
which we need. Matt. vi. 6 — 8. 

2. The persons who receive this grace are the Christian 
church. 1 Pet. ii. 9. 

In this church three particular states are appointed, and 
their respective duties prescribed, which when duly performed, 
are calculated to promote salvation : 

a' The ministerial office, whereby provision is made for the 
religious instruction of the people. 1 Pet. v. 1—5. Heb 
xiii. 17. 

b The political state or offices, whereby the government ot 
whole nations is regulated. Rom. xiii. 1 — 7. 
c The economical state, whereby the concerns of families 
are regulated. Eph. v. 25 — 27, &c. vi. 1, 9. 

IV. The state of Glorification, in which the righteous will 
be entirely delivered from all moral evil, and be made eter* 
nally happy. 

Here we notice, 

a The four last things which precede it, viz. 

1. Death. Eccl. xii. 7. Heb. ix. 27. 

2. Resurrection from the dead. John v. 2S, 29. Dan. xii. 2. 

3. Day of judgment. 2 Cor. v. 10. Matt. xxv. 31, &c. 

4. End of the world. 2 Pet. iii. 10. 

b The sts>e of glorification itself — everlasting life. Matt. xxv. 
34. 1 John iii. 2. 

c The contrary of this, or the state of the wicked, eternal 
death. Matt. xxv. 46. Luke x w i. 23. 2 Thess. i. 9. 


% . 

PREPARATION FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER. 45 
PART VIII. 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR THOSE WHO WOULD PREPARE 
- THEMSELVES TO RECEIVE THE LORD’S SUPPER. 

Dost thou believe that thou art a sinner ? 

Yes, I believe that i am a sinner. 

JIow hast thou knowledge of it ? 

From the holy commandments — which I have not kept 
Dost thou feel compunction for thy sins ? 

Yes, it grieves me that I have sinned against God. 

What hast thou deserved of God for thy sins ? 

His wrath and displeasure, temporal and eternal death. 
Dost thou hope to be saved ? 

Yes, it is my hope. 

What are the constituents of a well founded hope ? 

True repentance and faith. 

What is understood by repentance ? 

A total change of the heart and mind. 

What is faith ? 

It is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence 
«»f things not seen. 

In whom are we then to believe ? 

In our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? 

Who is Christ ? 

The Son of God, true God and man. 

How many Gods are there ? 

Only one, but three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 
What has Christ done for thee , that thou trustest in him? 
He died for me, shedding his blood on the cross for the 
forgiveness of my sins. 

Did the Father also die for thee ? 

No; for the Father and the Holy Ghost are God only; 
but the Son is both God and man, who shed his blood and 
died for me. 

How dost thou know this ? 

From the Gospel, from the words of the institution of the 
sacrament, and from his body and blood which are given as 
a pledge therein. 

Which are those words of the institution ? 

“ Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night,” &c. &c. 


46 


luther’s smaller catechism. 


What should tv c do when we partake of the holy supper 
of our Lord? 

We should make known and remember his death and 
passion, as he taught us, saying, “Do this, as oft as ye do it, 
in remembrance of me.” 

Why should we remember d?:d make known his death ? 

That we might learn to believe, that no creature could 
make satisfaction for our sins; but only Christ, who is true 
God and man; and that we might learn to tremble on ac- 
count of our sins, to be deeply impressed with a sense of their 
malignity, to rejoice and confide in Christ, and be saved by 
faith in him. 

What induced Christ to die and to make satisfaction for 
thy sins ? 

Ilis great love to the Father, to me, and to all men, as it 
is written in John xiv. Romans v. Gal. ii. Eph. v 

lint why wuuldst thou receive the sacrament ? 

That I might learn to believe that Christ, through greaf 
love, has die i for my sins ; and that I might learn from him 
to love God and my neighbour. 

What should encourage and induce the Christian fro 
quently tp receive the sacrament of the altar? 

The promise and command of our Lord Jesus Christ, and 
his own spiritual wants of which he cannot but be sensible, 
and which should induce him to obey the command of Christ, 
and feel himself encouraged by his promise. 

But what shall such persons do who are unable to discover 
their wants, or feel no particular desire for the sacraments ? 

Such can have no better direction given them, than to 
search first, whether they feel sincere repentance for their 
sins, or whether they be still subject to the temptations of 
flesh and blood, which they may easily learn from the scrip- 
tures. Romans vii. Gal. v. 

Secondly, to learn from their own experience in the world, 
that they are never free from sin and misery, according to the 
express declaration of the scriptures. John xv. 16. 1 John ii. 15. 

Thirdly, to inquire whether they arc not deluded by the 
evil spirit, who daily besets them, and disturbs their inward 
and outward peace, as the scriptures declare. John viii. 16. 
1 Peter v. 2. 2 Tim. ii. 2. Eph. vi. 


HISTORICAL CATECHISM. 


47 


\ 

PART IX.— HISTORICAL CATF.CHISM. 

THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

1. Who was the J\ Taker of the world ? 

The almighty Go<l made the heavens aryl the earth, and all 
things that are in them, about 5832 years ago. 

2. How long was God in making the world ? 

He made it by his word, in the space of six days ; and he 
rested on the seventh, and called the day holy. 

3. Who were the fret man and woman that God made ? 

Adam and Eve. 

4. In what state did God make them ? 

God made them in his own likeness, in a holy and happy state. 

5. How did they behave themselves ? Did they continue 
in this state ? 

No : they sinned against God, by eating of the fruit of a 
certain tree, which God had forbid them, upon pain of death. 

6. How came they to eat of this fruit ? 

The evil spirit, that lay hid in the serpent, persuaded Eve 
to eat of it ; and she persuaded Adam. 

7. What mischief followed from hence? 

Sin and death were brought into this world by Adam’s 
disobedience, and spread among all his children. 

8. Were Adam's children all sinners ? 

All of them were born in sin ; but there were some in 
those early times, who learned to know and worship the 
Lord, and were called the sons of God. 

9. Did the knowledge and worship of God abide in their 
families ? 

In following ages> all mankind grew so bad, that God 
drowned the world by a flood of water. 

10. Who was saved when the world was drowned ? 

Noah the righteous man was saved, with all his family, 

and a few living creatures of every kind. 

1 1 . How was Noah saved ? 

In an ark, or great vessel of wood, which God taught him 
to build. 

12. Who were the sons of Noah? 

Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and by them the world was 
peopled after the flood. 


48 


I1ISTOR1CAT CATECHISM. 


13. What crime -was Ham guilty of? 

He made sport with his father ; and he was cursed. 

14. What did Shem and Japheth do? 

They concealed their father’s shame ; and they were blessed. 

15. IVho iv as God's special favourite in the family of 
Shem ? 

Abraham, who was called the father of believers, and the 
friend of God. 

16. Why to as he called the father, that is, the pattern of 
of believers ? 

Because he believed some strange promises of God, con- 
trary to the present appearances of things. 

17. What ■ were those promises? 

1. That he should have a son by Sarah his wife, when he 
was a hundred years old, and she ninety. 

2. That his children should possess the land of Canaan, 
wherein he had not a foot of ground. 

3. That all nations should be blessed by his offspring, that 
is, Christ. 

18. Why ivas Abraham called the friend of God? 

Because God made many visits to him ; and he was very 

obedient to God. 

19. What ivas the frst great instance of Abraham's 
obedience ? 

He left his own country at God’s command, not knowing 
whither he w r as to go. - 

20. What ivas another great instance of Abraham's obe- 
dience ? 

He was ready to offer up in sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, 
at the command of God. 

21. Was Isaac a good man ? 

Yes : he feared the God of his father Abraham, and he 
went out to pray or meditate in the fields. 

22. Who ivere Isaac's tivo sons ? 

Esau the eldest, and Jacob the youngest. 

23. What is remarkable concerning Esau ? 

He despised the privilege of being the first-bom, and sold 
it to Jacob for a mess of -pottage. 

24. What is -written concerning Jacob ? 

He obtained, his father’s blessing by deceit, as well as his 
brother’s birthright by craft. 


THE OLD, TESTAMENT. 


49 


25. Why was his name called Israel ? 

Because he afterwards became a very good man, and 
prayed, and prevailed for a blessing from God. 

26. How many sojis had Jacob or Israel ? 

Twelve; who were called the twelve Patriarchs, or fathers 
of the twelve tribes of Israel. 

27. Who was the most famous o f Israel's sons 

Joseph, whom his brethren sold into. Egypt; and he after- 
wards became the ruler of the land, under Pharaoh the 
king. 

28. Did not he then revenge himself upon his brethren? 

No : he sent for them and their families, together with his 

father, in the time of famine, and fed them all in the land of 
Egypt. 

29. Did the families of Israel continue to dwell in Egypt? 

Yes ; till another Pharaoh, king of Egypt made slaves of 

them, and drowned their children ; and then God delivered 
them by the hand of Moses. 

30. Who was this Jlloses ? 

He was one of the children of Israel, who was wondrously 
saved from drowning, by Pharaoh’s own daughter, when he 
was a child. 

31. How did God appoint him to deliver Israel? 

God appeared to him in a burning bush, as he was keep- 
ing sheep, and sent him to Pharaoh, to bid him let Israel go. 

32. What did JMoses do to prove that God had sent him ? 

He wrought several miracles, or signs and wonders, in the 

sight of Pharaoh. 

33. How did JMoses at last deliver the people from their, 
slavery ? 

When Pharaoh refused to let the people go, God gave 
him power to smite Egypt with many plagues. 

34. What was the last of these plagues , which procurea 
the release of Israel ? 

An angel destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians in 
®ne night : but he passed over, and did not hurt any of the 
families of Israel. 

35. How was this deliverance of Israel kept in remem- 
brance to following ages ? 

God appointed the yearly sacrifice of a Iamb in every fa- 
mily ; which was called, “ The feast of the passover.” 

E 


50 


HISTORICAL CATECHISM. 


36. When Pharaoh let Israel go out of Egypt, how did 
they get over the Red Sea ? 

Moses, with his rod, divided the waters of the sea asunder, 
and the people went through upon dry ground. 

37. JVhat became of the Egyptians that followed them ? 

When Moses stretched his hand over the sea, the waters 

returned upon the Egyptians, and they were all drowned. 

38. Whither did the children of Israel go then ? 

They went through the wilderness wheresoever God guided 
them, by a pillar of cloud in the day-time, and a pillar of fire 
in the night. 

39. How long was it before they came to the land of Ca- 
naan, which God promised ? 

They wandered forty years in the wilderness, for their sins. 

40. What did they eat all that time ? 

God fed them with manna, or bread that came down every 
night from heaven. 

41. What did they drink in the wilderness ? 

Moses smote the rock with his rod, and waters gushed oil 
in a river that followed them. 

42. What did they do for clothes during these forty years ? 

Their garments waxed not old, nor did their shoes wear out 

43. What were the laws which God gave the Israelites 
when he chose them for his own people? 

Some general laws that related to their behaviour as men 
some special rules relating to their religion as a church ; and 
others about their government as a nation. 

44. What were the general laws which related to their 
behaviour as men ? 

Those laws which are commonly called moral, and which 
belong to all mankind. These are chiefly contained in tho 
ten commandments. 

45. In what manner was this moral law, or ten command- 
ments, given them? 

God first spoke it to them from mount Sinai, with thunder 
and lightning ; and then wrote it for them in two tables of stone. 

46. What were the special laws which God gave them, 
velating to their religion as a church ? 

Many rules about their worship of God, their priests and 
sacrifices, about sprinkling of blood and washing with water, 
about holv times and holy places. 


THE OLD TESTAMENT. 


51 

47. TVhat was the chief design o f these ceremonies ? 
Partly to keep them from the idolatry and evil customs of 

other nations, and partly to figure out the blessings of Christ 
and the Gospel. 

48. What were their laius, considered as a nation ? 

Such as related to their peace and wars, to their houses 

and lands, to their wives and servants, to their life and limbs. 

49. Why did God himself give them such particular rules, 
about these common things ? 

To distinguish and keep them separate from all other na- 
tions, and to show that he was their King, as well as their God. 

50. Were the people of Israel obedient to God, in their 
travels through the -wilderness ? 

No : they sinned grievously against him ; and they were 
often punished by the hand of God : but he would not utterly 
destroy them. 

51. Who brought them into the land of Canaan, after 
their forty years wandering in the wilderness 2 

Moses being dead, Joshua (whose name is the same with 
Jesus,) brought them into the promised land. 

52. Did the Israelites behave themselves better when they 
were come to Canaan ? 

No : they frequently fell into idolatry, and worshipped the 
alse gods of the nations round about them. 

53. In what manner did God show his displeasure for 
this sin ? 

He gave them up sometimes into the hands of their ene- 
mies, who plundered them, and made slaves of them. 

54. How did God deliver them from the bauds of their 
enemies ? 

When they cried to the Loud, he raised up judges, who 
subdued their enemies, and delivered the people. 

55. What were the names of some of the chief of those 
judges ? 

Gideon, and Jephthah, Samson, Eli, and Samuel. 

56. Who governed the people of Israel after the judges ? 
They desired a king like other nations ; and God bid 

Samuel anoint Saul to be the first of their kings. 

57. How did Saul behave himself '/ 

He governed well for a little time ; but afterwards lie re- 
belled against God and God amoved him. 


52 


HISTORICAL CATECHISM. 


58. What became of Saul at last? 

Being forsaken of God, and being wounded in battle by 
the Philistines, he fell on his own sword, and died. 

59. Who -was the second king of Israel ? 

David, who was raised to the kingdom, from keeping of sheep. 

GO. What was David's character ? 

He was a prophet and a man after God’s own heart, who 
delivered Israel from their enemies, and ruled them well. 

61. Hut was not David guilty of some great sins ? 

Yes ; and God punished him for them, in the great troubles 
he met with in his family. 

62. Who -was the third king of Israel ? 

Solomon, the son of David, who was the wisest of men. 

63. What did Solomon do for God, and for the people ? 

He built a very glorious temple, for the worship of God, at 

Jerusalem; and he raised the nation of Israel to their highest 
glory. 

, 64. What became of the people of Israel inf olio-wing ages ? 

They, were divided into two kingdoms, which were called 
the kingdom of Judah, and the kingdom of Israel. 

65. I l oiv did they behave themselves toivard God, after 
this division ? 

Most of their kings, as well as the people, provoked Gou 
by their idols and their great wickedness. 

66. How did God punish them for these crimes? 

When they would not hearken to the prophets, which God 

sent among them, they were carried away captive by their 
enemies, into the land of Assyria. 

67. Did they never return again to their own land? 

Yes: after seventy years captivity, the tribe of Judah re- 
turned, with many of Benjamin and Levi; and they were 
ail called Jews. 

68. What did they do at their return? 

They built the city of Jerusalem and the temple again, 
4nd they set up the worship of the true God. 

69. Did they continue ufterwards to obey God, and dwell 
tn their own land? 

Though they were guilty of many sins, yet they never fell 
to the worship of idoLs again ; nor were they ever wholly 
driven again out of their own land, till after the coming of 
the Messiah, the Saviour. 


Historical catechism. 


53 


THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

1. Who is the Messiah, the Saviour of mankind? 

Jesus, who, being the Messiah, is called Jesus Christ ; the 

Son of God. 

2. What notices were given of the coming of the Messiah 
or Christ? 

Many promises had been given of him in former ages by 
the prophets. Among other things, they foretold, that a 
Saviour should be born of the stock of Abraham, of the house 
of David, and in the town of Bethlehem. 

3. Who was the mother of Jesus ? 

Mary, a virgin of the house of David. 

4. What witness was given to Jesus at his birth ? 

Angels from heaven told certain shepherds, that they 

should find the child Jesus in a manger at Bethlehem, and 
praised God, saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on 
earth peace, good will towards men. 

5. What is written concerning the childhood of Jesus? 
When he was twelve years old, he was found in the tem- 
ple, hearing the doctors, and asking them questions. He was 
subject to his mother and Joseph. And he increased in wis- 
dom, and in favour with God and man. 

6. When did Jesus Christ begin his public ministry ? 

At thirty years of age he came forth, and was baptized by John, 
who was sent from God to preach and baptize with water. 

7. Wflatwas the doctrine which John the Baptist preached? 
He reproved sinners ; he preached repentance and the for- 
giveness of sins ; and he directed his disciples to Jesus. 

8. What became of John the Baptist at last ? 

He was beheaded by Herod, at the wicked request of his niece. 

9. What honour was done to Jesus Christ at his baptism ? 
The Spirit of God descended upon him, and a voice came 

from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am 
well pleased. 

10. What became of Christ immediately after his baptism ? 
He was forty days in the wilderness, where he endured 

and overcame several temptations. 

11. What were the chief parts of the ministry of Christ 
in his life ? 

These five, namely — 1. He fulfilled the whole law, and gavo 

* 3 


54 


HISTORICAL CATECHISM. 


us a perfect example of piety towards God, and goodness to- 
wards men. 2. He preached to the people his divine doctrine. 

3. He wrought miracles, to prove that he was.sent from God. 

4. He chose out his apostles, and trained them up for their 
public service. 5. He appointed two ordinances in his church. 

12. What ivere the chief subjects of Christ's preaching 1 
to the people ? 

These six things : 1. He explained the law of God to the 
people, and showed them that it required holiness in their 
thoughts, as well as in their words and actions. 2. He re- 
proved many for their sinful and foolish traditions, and taught 
them that God did not regard ceremonies, so much as the 
great duties of love to God and love to men. 3. He preached 
the glad tidings of pardon of sin and eternal life in heaven, to 
them that repent and believe in him. 4. He threatened the 
punishment of hell to all wilful and obstinate sinners, parti- 
cularly to hypocrites and unbelievers. 5. He sometimes de- 
clared and maintained his own commission, that he was sent 
from God, to be the Saviour of men. 6. He foretold the de- 
struction of the Jews, his own death, and second coming in 
glory to raise the dead, and to judge the world. 

13. What -were the chief miracles that he wrought, to 
prove he was sent from God ? 

Such as these : 1. He twice fed several thousand person* 
with a very few loaves and fishes. 2. He gave sight to the 
blind and hearing to the deaf ; he made the duihb to speak 
the lame to walk, and healed all manner of diseases bjr a word. 
3. He raised several persons from the dead, and one (namely 
Lazarus) out of the grave. 

1 4. How did he train up his apostles for their public servicer 

These four ways: l. He explained to them in private wha* 

he taught the people by parables and similitudes in public. 
2. He told them more plainly that he was the Messiah, the 
Saviour of the world, and that he should die, and rise again 
the third day. 3. He prayed with them often, and taught 
them to pray. 4. He promised them to send the Spirit of God, 
alter his departure, to fit them for their public service. 

15. What were the two ordinances which Christ appointed? 

He appointed Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. 

16. [Thus we have heard how Jesus lived; let us hear 
now in what manner he died. 


THE NEW TESTAMENT. 55 

He was meek and patient, and resigned to the will of God 
in suffering and dying. 

17. What -were his sharpest sufferings ? 

The anguish which he endured in the garden just before 
his death. 

IS. What kind of death did he die ? 

He w r as crucified, that is, his hands and feet were nailed to a 
wooden cross, and there he hung until he died in extreme pain. 

19. When Jesus Christ had honoured God so much in his 
life, how came he to die so shameful and so painful a death ? 

That his pattern of piety and virtue might be made com 
plete, and especially that he might reconcile us unto God by 
his death ; and that, having died in the most public and indis- 
putable manner, he might give the clearest example of a re- 
surrection in his own person. 

20. Hut what reason had men to kill him ? 

No just reason at all ; .but the teachers and rulers of the 
Jews hated his doctrine and reproofs, and were much enraged 
to see the people follow him. 

2 1 . How did they lay hold on Jesus ? 

They bribed Judas, one of his apostles, to betray him into 
the hands of their officers ; and he led them to his Master by 
night, and showed which was he, by kissing him. 

22. Did none of his disciples defend their Lord and JM aster? 

Peter at first defended him with the sword, but afterwards 

his courage failed him, so far as to deny that he knew Jesus. 

23: Did Peter continue in his sins, or did he repent? 

Jesus cast his eyes upon him, and he repented and wept 
bitterly. 

‘24. Who condemned Christ to die ? 

Caiaphas, the high-priest, condemned him as worthy of 
death, and Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, at the desire 
of the Jews, gave him up to be nailed to the cross. 

25. Was he crucified immediately , or did he suffer other 
injuries before his death ? 

He was mocked, he was spit upon, he was crowned with 
thorns, he was scourged, and wickedly abused. 

26. In what company was he crucified'? 

He was crucified In a most shameful manner between two 
criminals, as if he had been the chief of sinners. 

27. What miracles attended his death ? 


50 


HISTORICAL CATECHISM. 


The sun was darkened at noon for three hours together; 
there was an earthquake, which opened many graves, and the 
vail of the temple was rent in two pieces. 

28. Who took care of his burial ? 

Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, and one of his disciples ; 
buried him in his own new tomb, and Pilate and the Jews 
set a guard of soldiers about it. 

29. When did he rise from, the dead ? 

On the first day of the week, after he had lain in the grave 
three days, that is, part of three days. 

30. To -whom did he appear after his rising again 7 

He appeared many times to his disciples; he ate and drank, 
and talked with them, and gave them most certain proofs of 
his resurrection. 

31. Hoto long did he tarry on earth after his rising from 
the dead? 

He tarried forty days, conversing with his apostles, and in* 
structing them farther in the doctrines and rules of his king- 
dom ; and when he had given them their commission to preach 
the gospel to all nations, and blessed them, they saw him 
carried up to heaven. 

32. What did the disciples do, i when their Lord had left theiiil 

They returned to Jerusalem, and waited for the Spirit o* 

God to come upon them, according to the promise of Christ 

33. What became of Judas ? 

When he saw that Christ was condemned, he went and 
hanged himself, and, falling down, his bowels gushed out. 

34. When did the Spirit of God come upon the apostles 
and othe ~ disciples ? 

At the feast of pentecost, which was about ten days after 
Christ went to heaven. 

35. In iv hat manner did the Spirit of God come upon them ? 

A noise like a rushing wind filled the house where they 

were met, and cloven tongues of fire sat upon them. 

36. What was the first remarkable effect of the Spirit of 
God coming upon them ? 

Each of them was enabled to preach the gospel in strange 
languages. 

37. What was the doctrine they preached ? 

That Jesus who was crucified was the Messiah, that is, the 
Christ, the Son of God, and the Saviour of men ; and that 


THE NEW TESTAMENT. 57 

sinners, who repent and believe in his name, shou.d be saved. 

38. What success had their preaching ? 

Three thousand were converted and baptized in one day, 
and five thousand in another. 

39. What miracles did they work to confirm their doctrine ? 
Some that were cripples had the use of their limbs given 

them ; multitudes of sick were healed ; some persons were 
struck dead, and others raised to life. 

40. Had not other believers in Christ the power of work- 
ing miracles also ? 

Yes ; Jesus Christ communicated very great gifts and powers 
to them, by laying on of the hands of the apostles. 

41. Were not the apostles greatly persecuted ? 

Yes; they were put in prison by the high priest, they were 
beaten by order of the council ; James the brother of John 
was slain by Herod, and Peter was put in prison again, in 
order to be put to death. 

42. Did God give them any miraculous deliverance ? 
•Several times, when the apostles were imprisoned, they were 

miraculously released. 

43. Who was one of the chief persecutors of the Christians 
at this time ? 

Saul, a young man, a zealous Pharisee, who was afterwards 
called Paul. 

44. Did he live and die a persecutor ? 

No ; he was struck down to the ground by a blaze of light, 
as he was going to Damascus to imprison the Christians ; and 
Jesus Christ called him with a voice from heaven. 

45. What is afterwards related of him ? 

That he became a zealous preacher of the gospel ; that he 
was made the apostle of the Gentiles ; and that he spent his 
days in travelling to convert the heathen nations. 

46. What became of Paul at last / 

A r *er he had done more service for Christ by preaching 
and writing than any of the other apostles, and endured more 
sufferings in his life, he was put to death at Rome as a martyr 
for Christ. 

47. Is there any further account given of Peter ? 

When he had laid out his life in preaching the gospel, and 

had written letters to the Christians, he was crut ified in his 
old age, as Christ foretold him. 


58 


TABLE OF DUTIES. 


48. What is recorded concerning John the apostle ? 

After many labours in the ministry, he was banished to die 

Isle of Patinos, where Jesus Christ appeared to him in a vision, 
and instructed him by his angel (or messenger) to write the 
book of the Revelation. 

49. What became of the other apostles ? 

Ancient histories give us some uncertain account of their 
travels and their sufferings ; but there is very little written in 
Scripture concerning them 1 


PART X.— TABLE OF DUTIES. 

Of Ministers. — A Bishop then must be blameless, the 
husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given 
to hospitality, apt to teach ; not given to wine, no striker, 
not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not 
covetous ; one that ruleth well his own house, having his 
children in subjection with all gravity; not a novice. Hold- 
ing fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he maj 
be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince gain 
sayers. 1 Tim. iii. 2, 3, 4, 6. Titus i. 9. 

Of Hkareiis. — “F or the labourer is worthy of his hire.” 
Luke x. 7. “ Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they 

which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Cor. 
ix. 14. “ Let him that is taught in the word, communicate 

unto him that teacheth, in all good things. Be not deceived ; 
God is not mocked : for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall 
he also reap.” Gal. vi. 6, 7. “ Let the elders that rule well, 

be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who 
labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, 
Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn ; 
and the labourer, is worthy of his reward.” f Tim. v. 1’,, 18. 
‘And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour 
among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish 
you ; and to esteem them very highly in love for their works’ 
sake. And Ire at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thess.v. 12, 13 
“ But with whom w'as he grieved forty years ] w r as it not 
with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wil- 
derness I” Heb. iii. 17 


TABLE OF DUTIES. 


59 


Civil Government. — “ Let every soul be subject unto the 
higher powers. F or there is no power but of God : the powers 
that be, are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth 
the power, resisteth the ordinance of God : and they that resist 
shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a 
terror to ,good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be 
afraid of the power 1 do that which is good, and thou shalt have 
praise of the same : for he is the minister of God to thee for good. 
But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid ; for he beareth not 
the sword in vain : for he is the minister of God, a revenger 
to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Rom. xiii. 1 — 4 

Subjects or Citizens. — “They say unto him Cesar’s. 
Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the 
things which are Cesar’s, and unto God the things that are 
God’s.” Matt. xxii. 21. “ Wherefore ye must needs be sub- 

ject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For, 
for this cause pay you tribute also : for they are God’s minis- 
ters, attending continually upon this very thing. Render 
therefore to all their dues : tribute to whom tribute is due, 
custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom 
honour.” Rom. xiii. 5, 7. “ I exhort therefore, that first of 

—11, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, 
be made for all men : for kings, and for all that are in au- 
thority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all 
godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in 
the sight of God our Saviour.” 1 Tim. ii. 1 — 3. . “ Put them in 
mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magis- 
trates, to be ready to every good work.” Titus iii. 1. “ Submit 
yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake ; 
whether it be to the king, as supreme ; or unto governors, as 
unto them that are sent by him for the punishmenDof evil doers, 
and for the praise of them that do well.” 1 Peter ii. 13, 14. 

Husbands. — “ Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them 
according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife as unto 
the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace 
of life ; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1 Peter iii. 7. 

Wives. — “ Wives, submit yourselves unto your'husbands, 
as unto the Lord.” Ephes. v. 22. “ For after this manner 

in the old time, the holy women also who trusted in God, 


60 


TABLE OF DUTIES. 


adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own hus- 
bands; even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord 
whose daughters ye are so long as ye do well, and are no 
afraid with any amazement.” 1 Peter iii. 5, 6. 

Parents. — “ And ye, fathers, provoke not your children 
to wrath : but bring them up in the nurture and admonition 
of the Lord.” Eph. vi. 4. “ Fathers, provoke not your chil- 

dren to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Col. iii. 21. 

Children. — “ Children, obey your parents in the Lord 
for this is right. Honour thy father and mother, (which is the 
first commandment with promise,) that it may be well with 
thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Eph. vi. 1 — 3. 

Servants. — “ Servants, be obedient to them that are your 
masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, ire 
singleness of your heart, as unto Christ ; not with eye-ser- 
vice, as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the- 
will of God from the heart ; with good will doing service, a? 1 
to the Lord, and not to men : knowing that whatsoever good 
thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, 
whether he be bond or free.” Eph. vi. 5 — 8. 

Master and Mistress. — “ And ye masters, do the same 
things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your 
master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons 
with him.” Eph. vi. 9. 

Youth. — “ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto 
the elder : yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be 
clothed with humility : for God resisteth the proud, and giveth 
grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under 
the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” 
1 Peter v. 5, 6. 

Widows. — “ Now, she that is a widow indeed, and deso- 
late, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and 
prayer night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure, is 
dead while she liveth.” 1 Tim. v. 5, 6. 

The whole Church. “ Thou shalt love thy neighbour 
as thyself.” Rom, xiii. 9. “Let prayers be made for all 
men.” 1 Tim. ii. 1. 


PRAYERS. 


61 




V 

PART XI. — PRAYERS. 

Lord’s Prater. — “ Our Father, who art in heaven, haf 
lowed be thy name ; thy kingdom come ; thy will he done 
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily 
bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who 
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but 
deliver us from evil : for thine is the kingdom, and the power 
and the glory, for ever. Amen.” 

Morning Prater. — I give thanks unto thee, my heavenly 
Father, for guarding me through the night from all harm and 
danger; and beseech thee to take me this day into thy holy 
keeping. Vouchsafe to preserve me from every evil, particu- 
larly from the great evil and misery of sin ; and grant that 
my life and conduct may be acceptable and pleasing in thy 
sight. O fill my understanding with useful knowledge, and 
my heart with good dispositions and affections. Shower 
down thy blessings on my beloved parents, my friends, my 
instructors, and all my brethren of mankind ; for the sake of 
thy Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Amen. 

Evening Prater. — O Almighty God, and most merciful 
Father, to thy tender love I owe my safety through the past 
day, together with all the comforts of this life, and the hopes 
of that which is to come ! I bless thy holy name for the pre- 
servation of my health, for the love of my friends, and for all 
thy goodness bestowed on me from time to time. O give me 
a thankful and obedient heart ; and pardon all the errors and 
sins, of which I have been guilty. Grant that the good in- 
structions I have received this day, may be carefully remem- 
bered and practised. Vouchsafe to protect and defend me, 
and all mankind, from the dangers of this night ; for thy 
infinite love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen. 

Grace before Meat. — Our Father, who art in heaven, 
bless the provisions of thy bounty now set before us, and feed 
our souls with the bread of life, for Christ’s sake. Amen. 

Grace after Meat. — We thank thee, heavenly Parent, that 
thou hast again supplied our returning wants. Continue, we 
pray thee to be our God and keeper, supply the wants of the des- 
titute, and fill the earth with thy glory, for Christ’s sake. Amer 

F 


62 


HYMNS. 


PART XII.— HYMNS. • 

MORNING.— 1. L. M. 

1 Awake, xny soul ! and with the sun. 

Thy daily stage of duty run ; 

Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise, 

To pay thy morning sacrifice. 

2 By influ’nce of the light divine, 

Let thy own light to others shine ; 

Reflect all heav’n’s propitious rays, 

In ardent love and cheerful praise. 

3 Lord ! I my vows to thee renew : 

Disperse my sins as morning dew : 

Guard my first springs of thought and will, 
And with thyself my spirit fill. 

4 Direct, control, suggest, this day, 

All I design to do or say ; 

That all my pow’rs, with all their might, 

In thy sole glory may unite. 

5 All praise to thee, who safe hast kept, 

And hast refresh’d me while I slept ! 

Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wakt 
I may of endless life partake. 

2. C. M. 

1 Loiid of my life ! O may thy praise 

Employ my noblest pow’rs, 

Whose goodness lengthens out my days, 

And fills the circling hours ! 

2 Preserv’d by thy almighty arm, 

I pass the shades of night, 

Serene and safe from ev’ry harm, 

And see returning light. 

3 While many spent the night in sighs. 

And restless pains and woes, 

In gentle sleep I clos’d my eyes, 

And undisturbed repose. 

4 When sleep death’s semblance o’er mis spread* 

Arx 4 I unconscious lay. 


HYMNS. 


71 


And came to earth to bleed and die ! 
Was ever love like this ? 

4 He took the dying traitor’s place. 

And suffer’d in his stead ; 

For man, (O miracle of grace !) 

For man the Saviour bled ! 

5 Dear Lord, what heav’nly wonders dwell 

In thy atoning blood ! 

By this are sinners snatch’d from hell, 
And rebels brought to God. 

6 O may the sweet, the blissful theme, 

Fill ev’ry heart and tongue, 

Till strangers love thy charming name. 
And join the sacred song. 

20. C. M. Awakening. 

1 How sad our state by nature is ! 

Our sin how deep its stains ! 

And Satan binds our captive souls 
Fast in his slavish chains. 

2 But there’s a voice of sov’reign grace 

Sounds from the sacred word : 

Ho! ye despairing sinners, come. 

And trust upon the Lord. 

3 My soul obeys the gracious call. 

And runs to this relief : 

I would believe thy promise, Lord ! 

O help my unbelief. 

4 To the dear fountain of thy blood, 

Incarnate God, 1 fly ; 

Here let me wash my spotted soul 
From crimes of deepest dye. 

5 A guilty, weak, and helpless worm. 

Into thy arms I fall ; 

Be thou my strength and righteonttnesu. 
My Jesus and my all. 


1 With glorious clouds encompass’d round 

Whom angels dimly see ; 

Will the Unsearchable be found, 

Or God appear to me 1 

2 Didst thou not in our flesh appear, 

And live and die below, 

That I might now perceive thee near, 
And my Redeemer know 1 

3 Come then, and to my soul reveal . 

The heights and depths of grace, 

The wounds which all my sorrows heal. 
That dear disfigur’d face. 

4 Before my eyes of faith confess’d. 

Stand forth a slaughter’d Lamb, 

And wrap me in thy crimson vest, 

And tell me all thy name. 

6 I view the Lamb in his own light. 

Whom angels dindy see 
And gaze, transported at the sign* 

To all eternity 

22. C. M. Fait'n. 

1 When faith presents the Saviour’s deatlv 

And whispers, “ this is mine 
Sweetly my rising hours advance, 

And peacefully decline. 

2 Let outward things go how they will. 

On thee I cast my care ; 

But let me reign with thee in heav’n, 
Though most unworthy here. 

3 Faith in thy love shall sweeten death, 

And smooth the rugged way ; 

' Smile on me, dearest Lord, and then 
I shall not wish to stay. 


THE END. 


